Author: KYMA

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Local organizers are moving forward with plans to launch a new Imperial County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, promising to deliver critical resources, cross-border networking, and aggressive economic advocacy for regional entrepreneurs.

The initiative arrives at a challenging economic period for the valley, particularly in areas like Calexico, which currently lacks an active chamber of commerce and has seen a recent wave of small business closures.

The project is spearheaded by local businesswoman and publisher Ellie Burgueño. Drawing on years of experience with various valley chambers, Burgueño argues that traditional business groups focus too much on social events rather than tangible economic defense.

“I am a believer. I am a visionary, and I think things can get done when you get the support and the people involved that are willing to do the work,” Burgueño said.

Rather than relying purely on mixers and receptions, the new group intends to function actively as a legislative and economic lobby for small business owners.

The primary objective is to create local corporate synergy to ensure wealth is retained within the community.

“Money that is created here stays here,” Burgueño explained. “If you buy from each other, if you support each other, businesses are more likely to survive.”

To build a robust infrastructure, organizers are creating a board of directors comprised of seasoned business veterans, including specialists in cross-border trade.

One of the chamber’s primary goals will be mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate complex local government bureaucracy in a fraction of the time. The group plans to offer guidance on:

Accelerating the business permit process

Sourcing capital and securing commercial loans

Navigating local government support programs

Accessing legal counsel and specialized corporate education

Securing lucrative state and federal government contracts

By pooling the collective knowledge of long-term business owners, Burgueño hopes to keep future startups from getting discouraged by initial operational barriers.

A unique component of the new chamber is its structural connection to broader regional and national business ecosystems.

By plugging local revenue into the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce network, valley merchants will gain access to corporate partnerships stretching from San Diego and Los Angeles to Yuma and Palm Springs.

This expansive framework is designed to specifically target the cross-border community, bolstering trade relations in the binational Cali-Baja region.

“We could do so much more for our business community and of course, not just locally in Imperial Valley, but across the border community that needs those services to learn more,” Burgueño said.

For existing business owners navigating the border economy, the new alliance represents a long-overdue safety net.

Manuel Guerrero, owner of Hope Cafe & Creperie, operates locations in El Centro, Calexico, and four establishments across the border in Mexicali. Despite running a successful enterprise for a decade, he emphasizes that finding reliable business guidance remains a massive hurdle.

“We need help here in the valley. From small businesses we do need a lot of help,” Guerrero said. “There’s no place where we can actually get information or get help with whatever things that we need.”

Guerrero notes that Calexico’s lack of an organized chamber has left independent storefronts to navigate recent economic downturns entirely on their own. He believes a dedicated local alliance will help isolated merchants cooperate rather than fight for survival.

“Places keep on closing. and for us in a super small community to have each other’s back, I think that’ll be very cool,” Guerrero added.

While local merchants look toward the future, Burgueño remains focused on turning the economic challenges of the region into a springboard for growth.

“I think it’s time,” Burgueño said. “We see that this place has everything needed to thrive. We see opportunity where others see challenge and barriers.”

Organizers are currently in the process of securing official non-profit status, finalizing the group’s legal bylaws, and scouting a permanent physical location within the county.

The chamber’s official website is expected to launch in the coming days. Once it’s live, local business owners can log on for updates, view initial resources, and explore upcoming membership opportunities.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says they are conducting an impaired driving enforcement detail this Fourth of July weekend.

YPD says it will start Friday, July 3, 2026 to Sunday, July 5, 2026, with additional officers patrolling the streets looking to stop and arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During that time, YPD says they will also enforce traffic laws, raise public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives on the roadways.

In addition, YPD is offering the following tip for those under the influence:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin!

Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, Uber, or call a sober friend or family member.

If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

In addition, if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

4th of July DUI Detail 2026Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the City of Yuma are holding a ceremony Tuesday to unveil two new baby boxes.

The ceremony is taking place at Rural Metro Fire Stations #2 and #5, located at 10820 S. Hensley Blvd, and the boxes are for parents to safely surrender their infant.

The boxes are climate controlled and automatically notifies 911 when an infant is placed. Each location will be staffed 24/7.

In addition, the locations are said to be the 454th and 455th baby boxes in the nation, as well as the second and third in Arizona.

Monica Kelsey, Safe Haven Baby Boxes Founder, shared, “We are the only organization providing complete anonymity and we want these mothers to know we are there for them and their infant before and following a surrender.”

This comes after Baby Sonny was found abandoned in a trash can near a Yuma hotel on May 1, 2025.

To watch the livestream of the ceremony, see attached video. To learn more about the ceremony, read the press release below.

Yuma Rural Metro Fire Station #2 and #5.docx-2Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With average gas prices in Arizona hovering around $4 a gallon, some travelers are making a stop in Yuma to save money before continuing their trip.

For many driving through the Southwest, whether coming from California, Phoenix, or Tucson, Yuma has become a regular place to fill up.

Travelers said the lower prices in Yuma compared to nearby areas are making a noticeable difference.

One traveler from California said gas in Yuma was around $3.79 a gallon, compared to more than $4.50 back home in Phoenix.

Another said stopping in Yuma has become part of their routine before crossing back into California.

Some travelers also said higher gas prices have changed how often they travel.

One traveler said when prices were higher, trips became harder to justify, but recent drops have made vacations and visits with family feel more affordable again.

Even with prices still higher than many would prefer, travelers said they’ll take current prices over the $5+ costs they were seeing just weeks ago.

Click here to follow the original article.

Joaquin Hight

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA) – 34 migrants were detained in Westmorland after Border Patrol agents stopped two human smuggling attempts.

El Centro Sector Border Patrol shared the news Monday morning on social media.

Agents say a Chevy Tahoe was stopped in Westmorland, carrying seven migrants and uncovered another 27 migrants inside a mini bottom dump trailer.

A total of 34 migrants were detained.

Click here to follow the original article.

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma is getting ready for a big celebration this weekend.

The 250 Years of Independence Celebration is happening Saturday at Desert Sun Stadium, located at 1280 Desert Sun Drive.

There will be live music, food and entertainment for the entire family. There will also be a special appearance for kids.

“We are having the [Yuma Fire Department] back, they are going to spray down the kids from 6:30 to 8:30,” said Kathy Urfer, Special Events Assistant for the City of Yuma. “We have bouncy houses, jumpers vendors, and food trucks. It’s going to be a good time.”

Doors open at 6 p.m.

“What we are asking those people is a clear bag policy, you can bring your chairs, personal umbrellas,” Urfer shared. “We are going to have water stations, you can bring one bottle of open water, we just want you come and have fun and celebrate America’s birthday with us.”

The fireworks are lighting up the sky at 9 p.m. The event is free of charge.

Click here to follow the original article.

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls is seeking a fourth term, saying he still has more work to accomplish for the community.

Mayor Nicholls said serving as mayor has been one of the greatest honors of his life and thanked Yuma voters for their continued support.

“It’s been a little bit surreal that we’ve been able to give back to our community at this level, and I humbly ask for a vote moving forward,” Nicholls said.

After serving three terms, Nicholls said he wants to continue the progress the city has made.

“The reason I’m running for reelection is, you know, we’ve been working hard and the city’s been growing, and there’s been a lot of great things, but there’s just a few things I’d like to see get a little bit further down the road,” he said.

Nicholls said one of his top priorities is addressing Yuma’s long term water needs while supporting continued community and job growth.

Reflecting on his 12 years as mayor, Nicholls said his administration has faced major challenges including the border crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are national issues beyond the scope of the city, but cities still have roles. I wanted to make sure that I was involved,” Nicholls said.

Arizona’s Primary Election is July 21, and early voting is now underway.

Click here to follow the original article.

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Caballeros de Yuma are inviting the community to kick off Independence Day by honoring the American flag, military service members, and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The 40th Annual Flag Raising and Flag Retirement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 4, at 7 a.m. at Armed Forces Park in Yuma.

The ceremony will feature remarks from military leaders representing Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, recognizing the sacrifices of the nation’s service members.

As part of the event, attendees will also witness the respectful retirement of worn American flags, a long-standing tradition that honors the flag and the values it represents.

The event is free and open to the public.

Organizers encourage residents to bring their families and begin Independence Day by celebrating the country’s heritage and paying tribute to those who have served.

Click here to follow the original article.

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – What started as a Facebook Marketplace listing has turned into a years-long passion project for Yuma firefighter Raul Carlos.

Carlos, who has spent the last 10 years in the fire service, found the vintage 1978 Pierce fire engine online and knew he couldn’t pass it up.

“When I saw it, the listing was posted maybe a couple days, and it was one of those where I knew I had to do it,” Carlos said.

The fire engine has a long history. Originally built for a fire department in Ohio, it later made its way to Arizona, where several owners began restoring it before Carlos took over the project.

Despite its new purpose, the truck still operates much like a traditional fire engine.

“You have a captain, you have a driver, or what we call engineers,” Carlos explained. “All these switches control how you get water to your nozzles and your hoses.”

But inside the truck’s compartments, the story changes.

Carlos is converting the fire engine into a mobile tap truck featuring eight taps capable of serving everything from nitro cold brew and lemonade to mocktails and other specialty drinks.

“If you can keg it, we can serve it,” he said.

The taps are hidden inside the truck’s original compartments, preserving the vintage appearance from the outside.

“The whole purpose of this was for you to walk up to it and never think that it’s a tap truck,” Carlos said.

Each beverage requires a different serving pressure, allowing the truck to offer a variety of drinks from the same system.

“Having that ability to control your drinks separately is what kind of makes this truck unique,” he said.

The project has required hundreds of hours of work, often after long shifts as a firefighter.

“Usually late nights…sometimes up to 12 in the morning,” Carlos said. “I’ve been a firefighter for 10 years—that’s my primary full-time job.”

For Carlos, the truck is about more than starting a business. He hopes it becomes something the community can enjoy while inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

“It was kind of one of those gut feelings—going for it,” he said. “I hope to inspire the younger generations to actually do something that they put their mind to.”

Carlos hopes to have the tap truck ready for community events across Yuma in the coming months.

Click here to follow the original article.